National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building is Major Step Forward

Department of Energy statement establishes standard benchmark for defining a net-zero building, providing a clear target for the industry.

Reaching a consensus of what it means for a building to be net-zero carbon, zero emissions, or similar has been an uphill struggle for years. The technical definition has been tough to pin down, and people’s understanding of how to achieve the performance benchmark can vary. How we track and budget carbon, which units of measurement we use, and what we consider to be “clean” energy are all variables. In recent years, many different groups in the public and private sectors have been working in parallel to reach a consensus that, frankly, we very much need.

Those efforts are beginning to pay off. Last June, the U.S. Department of Energy released part 1 of its National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building during the AIA Conference in Washington, DC. The purpose of the definition, as it reads now, is to serve as general playbook. In broad strokes, it specifies three required steps for any building to achieve zero emissions: it must be energy efficient, have no fossil fuel combustion on site, and be powered by renewable energy sources, which can be on-site, off-site, or a combination of both.

This definition is a tremendous milestone for our industry, our design partners, and our clients. It represents an important starting point and a common set of criteria that we can all work towards. It is also a great opportunity for cities and states to find consensus on building energy codes, and for organizations like ASHRAE, USGBC and AIA to integrate this common language into their decarbonization benchmarks and performance-based certifications.

What this new definition brings to the table is a clear path for what it means to be zero emissions. It means your building is fully electrified. And it means, ultimately, that that building represents another important steppingstone towards transitioning our country’s grid to be clean, renewable, and efficient.

Earlier this year, LPA joined a coalition of design and built environment industry leaders in signing an official statement in support of a national definition. This statement proffered that “a uniform definition, verifiable through federal agencies, will unlock more public and private investments in emissions-effective and resilient buildings across a diverse array of real estate.” As a proud signatory, we also believe the definition holds great promise for integrated design practices such as ours. With a common framework, it will help align goals across design disciplines as well as the metrics we use to achieve those goals.

The recently released framework is a major step forward, but much work remains. The joint statement concedes the definition is not all encompassing. The building electrification benchmark, for instance, does not account for the exact energy makeup, renewables or otherwise, of different electric grids.

For the time being, the national definition focuses solely on operational or Scope 1 emissions, meaning the carbon that is released from operating the building. Other emissions stemming from the purchase of energy (Scope 2) and material manufacturing, transportation, and construction (Scope 3), aka embodied carbon emissions, are not factored in. Many within our industry and elsewhere have said the definition doesn’t go far enough because it ignores embodied emissions. This criticism is valid. But we would be wise to remember our shared goals.

The DOE’s definition puts energy efficiency at the forefront. Designing and operating a zero emissions building is a major undertaking, make no mistake, and with few exceptions those tasks must begin with energy efficiency. Encouragingly, this thinking aligns with LPA’s outlook and practice. When we think about (and act on) passive design strategies and optimizing building systems, we do this with the knowledge that cleaning up the grid and getting off fossil fuels are necessary. Having efficient building systems in place is critical to reaching our highest sustainability goals.

In due time, as we reach greater consensus on how to measure the many emissions phases within a project’s value chain, as our grid transitions to more renewable energy sources, and as we attain a more holistic understanding of our buildings’ lifecycle impacts, Like building codes, which typically start with low thresholds and slowly raise the bar, I expect this national definition to be expanded and strengthened over time.

From my vantage point, as a member of AIA’s 2030 working group, I am continually heartened by what I see happening in our industry and beyond. The level of imagination, innovation, and ambition I witness daily gives me enormous hope for the future of our cities and communities. This national definition is more than words. It is a north star by which to navigate towards that brighter and cleaner future. It is relevant. It is necessary. And perhaps best of all, it is achievable.